Experience the islands and animals that inspired revolutionary scientific theories that changed our understanding of natural selection. Whether by land or sea, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Galápagos. On everyone’s bucket list, these 19 islands are a magical paradise off the coast of Ecuador

Welcome to the jungle! The Amazon rainforest: part myth, part fact, all wild. Explore the astounding variety of life that exists here. This lush playground spans eight countries, hosts millions of unique animal and plant species, and provides more than 20% of the world’s oxygen. That’s why it’s often called the "lungs of the world."

In the Andes, we will show you how to get off the map by the power of your own two feet, or soak up the scenery in a mountainside spa. Choose your own adventure as you retrace the steps of some of the worlds most ancient civilizations. Follow the Inca trail into the past, and you just might learn something about your present…

Mysterious and mind-blowing, Machu Picchu will leave you wondering how it was built. But we do know how to get you there: from camping to high-end lodges along former Inca trails, day trips via train, or multi-day and multi-sport options, there is a journey for everyone to this famous citadel.

If you love majestic peaks and tiny villages underneath towering glaciers, or if you really just want a new, personalized desktop background, Patagonia is calling your name. If Switzerland and Alaska bred, this would be their Spanish-speaking baby!

The wine regions in Chile and Argentina are conveniently co-located with some amazing natural beauty and hotbeds of outdoor activities. Peru produces some good wines too, as well as world-renowned Pisco (a distillate of wine). Even Colombia has a few vineyards that are worth a visit. Malbec and cabernet aren’t the only grapes in town anymore!

Not only home to tango, but also world-class beef and wine, Argentina’s capital is affectionately referred to as the “Paris of South America” (although many Argentines say Paris is the ‘Buenos Aires of Europe!’)

For such a long and skinny country, Chile is packed full of surprises. From the Atacama desert in the north, to wine country in the middle, to the lakes and mountains of Patagonia in the south, Chile is a wonderland for those seeking natural beauty. It even has the world’s largest swimming pool!

The second most biodiverse country on earth, Colombia is blessed with Caribbean & Pacific coasts, dense Amazon jungle, snow-capped Andean peaks, and amazing weather year-round. It’s now on every travel writer’s list; Colombians are eternally grateful for the good press, and offer the warmest hospitality around.

Ecuador is a small country with a big adventure portfolio. It has the world’s first two UNESCO World Heritage sites, excellent infrastructure and a well-developed tourism industry. Galápagos, Amazon, Andes (Cotopaxi), Otavalo. Say no more.

One of the most culturally diverse countries with heritage from China, Japan, Africa, Spain, and indigenous groups, Peru is now on the world stage as a foodie capital. You can also visit the Incan Empire’s former capital (Cusco) and marvel at its ancient ruins and majestic mountains.